BIG DEALGRADUATES ARE A

TO WATSON BURTON

CHOOSING WHERE TO START

YOUR LEGAL CAREER IS AN

IMPORTANT DECISION.

At Watson Burton we want to help you reach your

goals and as part of the team you’ll be given everything

you need to help achieve your potential.

With an established track record of recruiting and

training talented, ambitious lawyers, we ofer you

the opportunity to work in a challenging, rewarding

environment alongside some of the most dynamic and

successful businesses in the UK.

WELCOMETO WATSON BURTON

WATSON BURTON IS A LEADING

LAW FIRM WITH A WELL-EARNED

REPUTATION FOR HELPING OUR

CLIENTS SUCCEED.For over 200 years we have ofered commercial law

services and have signiicant nationwide coverage,

providing irst class legal advice from oices in

Newcastle, Leeds and London. Key to our success is

a combination of commercial and technical experience

delivered with a personal touch, which forms the

foundation of many long-standing client relationships.

ABOUT WATSON BURTON

REBECCA NOBLE

TRAINEE

“AT WATSON BURTON,

YOU’RE CONSIDERED

PART OF THE TEAM AS

SOON AS YOU START”

VINAYA JIGAJINNI STARTED

HER TRAINEESHIP WITH WATSON

BURTON IN 2014 – AND NOW,

SHE SEES HERSELF AS BEING

PART OF THE FIRM FOR MANY

YEARS TO COME.

“I initially undertook a Biomedical Science Degree at

Newcastle University, from which I graduated in 2005,

but then decided to move into law. Following my LPC

at Northumbria University, I began working with Watson

Burton as a paralegal, before becoming a trainee.

“At Watson Burton, you don’t feel like just a ‘number’ –

you’re treated as part of the team. The irm wants you to

have the best training possible and to be the best

you can be.

“Some law irms can be quite intimidating but Watson

Burton is diferent. The staf here make a real efort to

make you feel included. They are very approachable.

Also, we like to have fun here and there’s a great work/

life balance. And as someone who has now lived in

Newcastle for more than 13 years, I can say that it’s a

great city to live and work in!”

BIG DEALWATSON BURTON MADE A

OUT OF VINAYA

VINAYA JIGAJINNI

NEWLY QUALIFIED

SOLICITOR

“WE LIKE TO HAVE

FUN HERE AND

THERE’S A GREAT

WORK/LIFE BALANCE”

FIRST YEAR TRAINEE FRANCESCA

IS RECEIVING THE SUPPORT SHE

NEEDS TO DEVELOP HER CAREER“I was very interested in following a career in

commercial law as my father works in the house

building industry. I irst met the Watson Burton team at

a careers fair, they were really friendly towards me and

as a result I wanted to know more about the irm.

“Since starting my traineeship I’ve seen irst-hand that

Watson Burton has a close-knit, family feel to it – and

when they say they have an ‘open door’ policy, they

really mean it! The partners are very supportive and

understanding, and I never feel overwhelmed.

“All of the departments are encouraged to mingle

together, which makes you feel like you are part of the

‘bigger picture’ at Watson Burton… and this inclusive

approach strengthens your connections with other

members of staf.

“There are many great social aspects to the irm too:

we’ve all taken part in the ‘Watson Burton Olympics’

on a Nintendo Wii – which has been great fun!”

BIG DEALWATSON BURTON MADE A

OUT OF FRANCESCA

FRANCESCA HAWKER

FIRST YEAR TRAINEE

“WATSON BURTON

HAS A CLOSE-KNIT,

FAMILY FEEL”

CORPORATE & COMMERCIALThe team deals with mergers and acquisitions, joint

ventures and other corporate matters. We also advise

on venture capital and private equity investments.

In addition to transactional work, Watson Burton is

involved in assisting businesses with a wide range of

commercial contracts.

REAL ESTATEOur real estate team deals with handling negotiations

for major commercial and residential schemes, acting

for developers and investors. The team takes a very

active role in the utilities, ground-rent and plot sales

markets.

CONSTRUCTION AND ENGINEERINGOur construction and engineering group has

attracted some of the UK’s largest housebuilders,

developers, contractors and consultants as clients,

tackling major projects and resolving the most

complicated disputes.

PROFESSIONAL INDEMNITY INSURANCEA niche area of law instructed by a number of key insurers

in the ield. We work with a variety of solicitors and

professional bodies, handling the concerns of a range of

professionals including engineers, architects, surveyors,

insurance brokers, inancial advisers and accountants.

EMPLOYMENTWe have one of the most experienced employment groups

in the North of England with a solid base in the North East,

particularly in the education, construction, engineering and

energy sectors as well as nationally with clients including

multiple FTSE 250 listed companies.

COMMERCIAL LITIGATIONOur commercial litigation team deals with a broad

spectrum of areas including commercial disputes,

property litigation and works with a number of clients

including universities, housebuilders and utility

providers.

PRACTICEAREAS AT WATSON BURTON

As a valued member of the team you will be

encouraged and supported every step of the

way to develop a commercially focused approach

that our clients have come to value from us. The

environment is professional and friendly, and allows

you to get real hands-on experience with clients.

BeneitsOF WORKING WITH US Competitive salary

Pension scheme

Healthcare scheme

Generous study leave

Paid professional memberships/subscriptions

LPC fee support

Regular social events

Opportunities to be involved in our charity

and community initiatives

workingAT WATSON BURTON

Living and working

IN THE NORTH EASTThe North East is a great place to live and work.

Famous for its friendly people and iconic landscapes,

the North East also ofers a vibrant cultural life through

art galleries, museums, live venues, theatres and

growing creative and professional communities.

JESSICA STARTED AS A TRAINEE

IN 2015 – AND SHE’S ENJOYING

EVERY MINUTE OF IT.

“I took a long time to decide on where the best place

to train was going to be and I’m glad I chose Watson

Burton. What has really struck me about working here

is that the irm really cares about training and sees it as

an important investment. The company really wants to

get the best out of you.

“It’s also a irm with a friendly approach but with a lot

of exciting clients, large and small, and through the

work I’m doing – including attending a trial – I can see

the real outcomes of my contribution to a case, which

is incredibly motivating.

“In addition, a number of partners have been at the

irm since their training contract, so it’s nice to see that

there is the possibility to stay with the irm, progress

and build a career here.”

BIG DEALWATSON BURTON MADE A

OUT OF JESSICA

JESSICA BRAIN

TRAINEE

“THE FIRM REALLY

CARES ABOUT

TRAINING AND SEES

IT AS AN IMPORTANT

INVESTMENT”

RICHARD PALMER

PARTNER

RICHARD PALMER STARTED OUT

WITH THE FIRM AS A GRADUATE

TRAINEE OVER 25 YEARS AGO…

HE IS NOW ONE OF THE EQUITY

PARTNERS AT WATSON BURTON.

“When I irst encountered Watson Burton I sensed

that it was a really great place to work with a good

atmosphere: that shone through on my very irst day

and it has been like that ever since.

“I work with clients in a wide range of sectors including

property, technology and energy, helping people to

ind solutions to problems… which is what I enjoy.

You’ll certainly encounter lots of diferent challenges

during your time here – and be rewarded

for your success too.

“In addition, there are huge opportunities for

progression at Watson Burton. From qualifying and

working in the irm’s construction team, I became a

partner in 1999 and I’m now one of the principal

owners of the business.”

BIG DEALWATSON BURTON MADE A

OUT OF RICHARD

“THERE ARE HUGE

OPPORTUNITIES FOR

PROGRESSION AT

WATSON BURTON”

OLIVIA IS A FIRST YEAR TRAINEE

WITH WATSON BURTON – AND

SHE’S ALREADY WORKING WITH

MAJOR CLIENTS.“I had my irst taste of life at Watson Burton during a

vacation placement a few years ago… and it really sold

the irm to me. It felt like they really invested in the next

generation.

“However I was still very nervous when I walked

through the door a few years later, on my irst day as

a trainee. Within minutes, though, I was completely at

ease. It’s obvious that at Watson Burton, they want to

encourage you to grow as a professional and will help

you get the best out of your traineeship.

“As a trainee here, your work really makes a diference

– you are given responsibility and the irm puts its

faith in you, they believe in your abilities. I’ve already

supported the team on very high level work with

major clients and the partners ensure you are heavily

involved. I’m learning so much here!”

BIG DEALWATSON BURTON MADE A

OUT OF OLIVIA

OLIVIA COULSON

TRAINEE

“AS A TRAINEE HERE,

YOUR WORK REALLY

MAKES A DIFFERENCE”

SARAH STUBBS

TRAINEE

SARAH RETURNED TO HER

NATIVE NORTH EAST TO TRAIN

AT WATSON BURTON. AND SHE’S

MADE THE RIGHT CHOICE…“If you’re looking for a traineeship with a commercial

law irm where there’s a great work/life balance, where

you’ll be valued – and where you’ll be part of the team,

then you should apply to Watson Burton. I’m certainly

glad I did!

“The training here is very ‘hands-on’ and you can work

on real cases from beginning to end – the work is very

interesting and varied too. The trainees are integrated

very well into the departments they work in, and while

every day is challenging, the working culture is warm

and friendly – whatever level you’re at.

“Watson Burton is a large irm with a fantastic

reputation, however it’s not so large that you’re ignored

or pushed to one side: this is a place where you can

progress as a trainee and thrive in your career.”

BIG DEALWATSON BURTON MADE A

OUT OF SARAH

“THE TRAINING HERE

IS VERY ‘HANDS-ON’”

TRAINING CONTRACTWith consistently high retention rates, our training

contract gives you the best possible start to your

legal career. The contract is set out across two

years covering four six-month rotations across our

national groups.

You’ll work across a range of disciplines to enable you

to get an all-round understanding of commercial law

and give you the skills you need for the future. You’ll

be given support and feedback at all stages and work

closely with a mentor.

VACATION SCHEME Our vacation scheme is an ideal way for you

to experience life at Watson Burton before applying for

a traineeship. You’ll be considered part of the team and

be involved in all areas of the department. Not only will

you get a feel for Watson Burton but you will also be

able to develop your insight into commercial issues.

REQUIREMENTSApplicants should be aiming to achieve a 2:1 or more in

their degree.

CALLUM REVELEY

TRAINEE

“AT WATSON BURTON, YOU’LL

GET TO SEE THE ‘BIG PICTURE’”

PAUL WIGHAM

PARTNER

“WE PUT OUR TRUST IN PEOPLE

AND THERE IS A GREAT CHANCE

TO BUILD YOUR CAREER HERE”

AMIR HUSSAIN

TRAINEE

“YOU ARE CHALLENGED

INTELLECTUALLY AND YOU’RE

ALSO NURTURED”

For further details on applications, deadlines, key dates and

how to apply, please visit www.watsonburtongraduates.com

or email graduates@watsonburton.com

WATSON BURTON1 St James’ Gate

Newcastle upon Tyne

NE99 1YQ

Tel: 0345 901 2100

Email: graduates@watsonburton.com

Web: www.watsonburtongraduates.com